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Dipa Karmakar to return her BMW owing to maintenance issues

The prime reason behind returning the car seems to be the difficulty Dipa and her family is facing maintaining such a posh car in a city like Agartala, where the roads are narrow and not well-maintained.

| TNN | Updated: Oct 16, 2016, 08:23 IST

Highlights

Dipa and her family has opted to return the car owing to maintenance issues

Nandi revealed that they have spoken to the Hyderabad Badminton Association about their concerns

Dipa, along with Sakshi Malik and PV sindhu, was presented the car by Sachin Tendulkar in September

Dipa, along with Sakshi Malik and PV sindhu, was presented the car by Sachin Tendulkar in September. (TOI image)

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Dipa Karmakar to return her BM...

Dipa Karmakar's pathbreaking performance in the Rio Olympics was lauded by many, including former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who was picked to present her, along with PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik, a BMW car in September. However, owing to maintenance issues, Dipa has decided to return her gift to the original owner V Chamundeswaranath, president of the Hyderabad Badminton Association.
The prime reason behind it seems to be the difficulty Dipa and her family is having maintaining such a posh car in a city like Agartala, where the roads are narrow and not well-maintained. Also, she is yet to properly learn driving. Moreover, since Dipa's next assignment, the Challengers' Cup in Germany is a month away; she has been advised not bear the maintenance cost and rather devote her time towards practicing.

Dipa was not available for the comment, but her coach Bisheswar Nandi shed light on the topic. "It wasn't Dipa's decision. Rather it was a collective decision taken by her family and me," Nandi told TOI Sports. "There are two main reasons behind it. First, there is no BMW service center in Agartala and secondly, the roads are not suitable to drive a posh car such as this."

Nandi furthermore revealed that they have spoken to the Hyderabad Badminton Association about their concerns and that the body has accepted their request. "We have spoken to the concerned authority and gladly, they have no problems with it. It was also suggested to them that if possible, they transfer the amount equivalent to the value of the car to Dipa's bank account. And if not, we will be happy with whatever amount they decide," he said.

Apart from Nandi, Dipa's father Dulal Karmakar also weighed in on the issue and clarified that that there was a difference between rejecting and returning or exchanging a present. "We seem to be on a tricky lane here. Many have inquired whether we have rejected the HDBA's gift (BMW car). This is not true. We have only told V Chamundeswaranath (HDBA chief) that he can give Dipa money instead of the BMW car or, if possible, any other car which can be driven in Tripura," Karmakar senior told TOI Sports.

He added that Nandi had discussed the matter with the owner a week ago, after which it was decided that money equivalent to the price of the car would be deposited in Dipa's bank account. "Dipa is shy to discuss the matter in public and made it clear that she would be happy with whatever money she gets," Dulal said.

Certain sections even called the whole idea of Dipa returning the car a hoax. The gymnast however, took to twitter and settled the matter once and for all. "Very thankful to Sachin Sir for gifting me BMW but cannot maintain in Tripura so giving back. Thank you for agreeing to give funds for it," she tweeted.

Very thankful to Sachin sir for gifting me BMW but cannot maintain in tripura, so giving back. Thank you for agreeing to give funds for it.

It may have stemmed from the fact that Dipa is yet to receive the BMW. She was only granted the keys while during the function while the actual car was yet to be delivered to her, which Chamundeswaranath clarified. His statements however, were somewhat contrary to Nandi and Karmakar senior.

"I'd like to make it very clear that Dipa did not ask for money in return," he told TOI Sports. "They called me and told me about not having a service centre in Agartala and if we could make arrangements for servicing. I spoke to BMW officials and waiting for their response. Beyond that nothing has happened," he said.

"I am hopeful that BMW will make some arrangement. They offered a lot of discount for these cars and they may take care of servicing and other aspects. Our aim is to encourage athletes. Dipa came from a difficult background and made all of us proud," he added.

The key reason behind Dipa's uncertainty though seems to be her participation for the Challengers Cup. The Gymnastics Federation of India has informed Nandi that Dipa will only be able to travel to Germany provided the six-member Indian camp can participate as a team.

"According to the Federation, we must at least prepare a three-member team. Otherwise, we won't be able to participate in the Challengers Cup. The camp has also suggested that I begin a preparatory camp as soon as possible," Nandi said. "Ashmita Paul, another one of my students is one of the bright upcoming gymnasts in the country and I plan on taking her for the camp too. However, I am not sure whether Dipa will be able to join us there as she is yet to resume training in full capacity."

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